Removal of Leukocytes from High Unit Platelet Concentrates with Egyptian Cotton Wool

Abstract

Purification of a high unit platelet concentrates was tried by filtration through Egyptian cotton wool (Imugard^® filter, Terumo Corp.), to obtain leukocyte-poor platelet concentrates. With this simple procedure, more than 99.9% of the leukocytes were removed and the recovery of platelets exceeded 85% by using 45g of Egyptian cotton wool. The in vitro platelet function was normal. In addition, the residual leukocyte count was 1×10⁷ cells/bag or less. The reduction of leukocytes may reduce possibility of alloimmunization and other harmful effects of transfusion.